Authorities in Wyoming have identified a missing romance author who allegedly fled to Hawaii after being accused with escaping police officers.
Faleena Hopkins, a well-known author of romance novels and for attempting to trademark the word “cocky” for her books about the “Cocker Brothers,” disappeared on January 30, shortly after her imprisonment.
Three days prior to Hopkins’ disappearance, she was apprehended after allegedly dodging officers approaching her vehicle, which was parked in a remote area of Grand Teton National Park.
Hopkins was initially issued a citation for driving a “non-oversnow vehicle on an oversnow route” after being stranded and requiring a snowplow to retrieve her vehicle.
Shortly after Hopkins parted ways with police, officers attempted to stop her while she was stopped “on the highway at Jackson Lake Junction, within Grand Teton National Park,” according to officials, and she subsequently attempted to run.
“The officer activated the lights on his police car, and the woman escaped in her vehicle. She began driving at speeds above 75 mph and up to 90 mph, according to officials.
Hopkins allegedly drove 24 miles before being stopped over after spike strips were unleashed.
She was charged with running or attempting to avoid police officers, stopping or parking on the roadway, exceeding the speed limit imposed, failing to comply with a traffic control device, and driving without due care.
She was set to appear in court for the incident on February 28.
A few days after his detention, Hopkins was last spotted in the Jackson, Wyoming region.
In an earlier statement, Lt. Russ Ruschill of the Jackson Police Department told Fox News Digital that “a member of her family” reported Hopkins missing and that “there is some concern among her family members that she is in danger.”
30 January, Jackson police officers trailed Hopkins to Jackson Airport using security cameras. Hopkins apparently purchased a new smartphone before departing Jackson, complete with a new phone number.
Faleena Hopkins was located after allegedly escaping to Hawaii after being arrested and accused with attempting to elude police officers
14 February, Hopkins’ new cell phone was detected on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, according to Ruschill of Fox News Digital.
Ruschill stated in a statement released on Friday that Hopkins has been located.
“The Jackson Police Department is pleased to announce that Faleena Marie Hopkins has been located as of 17 February 2023 at 4:15pm MST. Her safety has been confirmed, and her family has been alerted. “She is no longer considered to be missing,” Ruschill stated. “The Jackson Police Department would like to thank the law enforcement agencies that assisted in this investigation, as well as the members of the press and citizens who helped locate Ms. Hopkins in the end.”
After Hopkins went missing on January 30, a woman claiming to be her sister stated on Facebook that she was alone prior to her detention and did not realize the person approaching her was a police officer.
The woman who goes by the name Shann Maureen stated, “EVERYONE WHO KNOWS FALEENA KNOWS THAT THE IDEA OF HER ESCAPING FROM THE POLICE IS RIDICULOUS.” “She was already in crisis mode at the time, and she did not recognize this individual as law enforcement.”
“At the park’s exit, there were two (obviously marked) police cruisers, and she pulled over,” she added. “She was not fleeing THEM… She was pursuing them.
“I hope this information helps you all understand this story a bit better. What we know about Faleena contradicts the notion that she would flee from police. She has no criminal background, no history of substance abuse of any kind, no DUIs, no alcohol addiction, etc.”
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